Ah, that magical time in every young child’s life, when he finally learns the power of the word “No!”

Everything is no these days, even things Ollie actually wants to do. Sometimes he will be saying, “No! No!” even as he rushes to do whatever it is. It’s the age of the classic reverse psychology trick, where the only way to guarantee he’ll do something is to tell him not to do it (this, of course, precedes the age where the only way to guarantee a kid will do something is to bribe him).

And it’s not just saying no either, it’s just a general sense of mischief. He’ll look at you with a twinkle in his eye just as he pushes everything off the kitchen table, or run away from you laughing as soon as you say, “Let’s get your coat on!” Sometimes he just likes to see how fast he can take all the books off the shelf.

I oh-so-fondly remember Evie at this age. I guess that makes it a little easier this time around, since I knew to expect it, and I know it will end eventually. Therefore, it’s more funny than anything, not really annoying. I also remember when Evie would just get so mad that it went beyond anger and right into a textbook demonic possession. Oliver has been pulling that one too a time or two, particularly in conjunction with diaper changes.

Ollie: “YAAAARGH!! BLAAAG! AUUUGH!”
Me: “We’re going to need a young priest and an old priest.”

It’s like he’s hit with a wave of anger that’s just so big and so intense that it overloads his tiny little circuits. After that, he’s just furious about everything. I was whispering “shhh, shhh” in his ear and he was screaming, “NO SHHH! NO SHHH!”

I think it’s all a part of the same developmental milestone of just sort of becoming a little more self-aware. The first part is becoming aware that he has power: the power to say no, the power to not do what you want him to, the power to be disruptive, the power to cause trouble. The second part is being aware that he has ideas about how things should go, and being frustrated when things don’t go his way. And then not being old enough to be able to handle that emotion and calm himself down.

Anyway, luckily when kids go through this stage, they’re still pretty small and easily handled. Otherwise we’d really be in trouble! And it still seems like it’s easier to deal with than a 4 year old. I guess the second kid gives you a little bit of perspective.